TALKING TO, FOR AND ABOUT THE TV: AN ANALYSIS OF NFL FANS’ DISCOURSE
Main Article Content
Abstract
Underrepresented in sport discourse literature, the usually private interactions among television viewers provided the context for this research. The present study built directly on previous findings regarding TV viewer interaction, sport discourse, and speakers’ multiple identities by analyzing the linguistic features of interactions among four male family members while watching televised football in their home. Participants used prosodic features to frame utterances while taking on the voice of fan, coach, or commentator and talking to, for, or about the TV. In general, these viewers talked ‘to’ the TV as fans and coaches, ‘for’ the TV as commentators, and ‘about’ the TV in all three roles. The findings are of potential interest to researchers as well as marketing and advertising companies.
Article Details
Issue
Section
Articles